Scrutinize associates in business, dating and in everyday encounters using the unspoken language that the body cannot hide. Often views, stances and hidden intentions are hung out to dry via raw humanness; revealed through the unregulated actions of the body.
From head to finger to toe, the body is signaling us constantly; its clues revealed as follows:
Body Language Of The Eyes
- Blinking slowly - Indicates a loss of interest.
- Blinking excessively - Possible indicator of lying or increase in stress level.
- Rolling eyes upward - A sign of disagreement.
- Avoiding eye contact - A sign of lying. Subject may be guilty or uncomfortable.
- Staring without interruption - An act of threat.
Arm Related Body Language
- Arms crossed in front of body – This stance provides self comfort (subject is very uncomfortable in the situation).
- Arms on hips with elbows turned outward (known as “Arms Akimbo”) - This is a territorial display and establishes dominance. The subject has “issues” with the current situation.
- Arms clasped behind back (known as “Regal or Royal Stance”) - This keeps people away and indicates “don’t approach” or “don’t come near”.
Body Language Of The Hands
- Wringing of hands - Indicates insecurity.
- Spreading of the fingers and hands (usually on table or desk) - This is a territorial display and exudes confidence and authority.
- Folding of hands with thumbs popped up - Subject has something positive to say.
- Folding of hands with thumbs coming down - Subject is talking about something they dislike, confidence is diminished.
- Fingers spread apart, fingers placed together (known as “Steepling”) - Strong signal of confidence, the subjects’ thoughts are precise.
Foot And Leg Related Body Language Signals
Joe Navarro, a former FBI agent and a specialist in non verbal communication stated in a recent Washington Post article that "feet provide the strongest body language signals".
- Crossing of legs - Indicates comfort with surroundings and/or current situation.
- Wiggling or bouncing of feet – This is a self pacifying movement.
- Exaggerated kicking movements of feet while legs crossed - Subject is considering something negative.
- Pointing up of the toes - Signals a positive emotion, a great mood.
Decoding Body Stature
Body posture in relation to another person is often a difficult signal to remain self aware of and to censor; it can be interpreted as follows:
- Body lean towards another person - A positive signal, one likes the other.
- Body lean away from another (sudden or steady) - One dislikes the other.
- Leaning back in a chair with legs spread out - This is a display of territory which is a sign of disrespect especially in the workplace when positioned against a superior.
Body Language and Eyeglasses
Eye glasses are a formidable addition to the business, media or political wardrobe but can also be a useful tool in interpreting a subjects underlying thoughts.
- Removal of glasses - Signals need for further discussion and/or thought or may signal dismay at that specific point within the discussion.
- Glasses in mouth - Signifies a peaked level of interest. Subject may be contemplating and/or making a decision.
- Placing glasses on head - This allows a pause, buys time for the subject. It may also indicate a change in mood.
- Sliding glasses down on nose - This usually indicates a heightened level of scrutiny towards another person. It is usually naturally paired with an upward arch of the eyebrow and a downward tilting of the head.
Other Body Signals
- Clearing of the throat and/or twitching - The subject is feeling insecure.
- Picking at clothing - A strong signal of boredom.
- Touching the nose - Subject is hiding something.
- Touching the neck - Signals concern, insecurity and a threatened feeling.
Sources:
Mens Health
Home Business Magazine
